So, with this scheme in my mind, I expect I was even more cautious than was necessary. I might have been unnoticed had I jumped right into the boat as it went overboard.
But when I heard Mr. Barney call off the men’s names, I noted that Job Perkins was among the chosen. I had sized up Job for what he was. I grabbed him as he passed me on the run and shot into his ear:
“Listen! ten dollars when we reach Baltimore if you’ll let me take your place in the boat.”
“Huh?” said Job, wonderstruck for a moment. But it was only for a moment. The old fellow had all his wits about him and in working order.
“It’s a bargain, boy,” he whispered, and the next moment he fell sprawling over a coil of rope and scrambled up again right before Mr. Barney.
“Hullo! what’s the matter with you, old man?” demanded the second officer.
“Ow-ouch!” groaned Job, rubbing his arm.
“Hurt you?” snapped Mr. Barney.
“By gravey! I did wrench my arm,” groaned Job, his face writhing with an expression of pain.
I stepped in at once. “I’ll take his place, sir,” I said.